Cancer Research Institute
Clinical Innovator
Protocol Concept deadline; Invited Full Proposal deadline 1 April 2027
Last updated:
The Cancer Research Institute Clinical Innovator grant funds investigator-initiated phase I/II or phase II immunotherapy clinical trials led by academic researchers, offering up to $1 million per trial. The call is open to PIs at medical schools and research centers worldwide (excluding for-profit institutions), with emphasis on novel immunotherapy approaches, mechanistic insights, and biomarker discovery. This is a two-stage call with a protocol concept deadline in December 2026 and invited full proposals due April 2027; CRI runs it annually.
Details
| Funder | Cancer Research Institute |
| Budget | Up to $1M per trial |
| Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Consortium | No - single Principal Investigator applies, though co-PIs permitted |
| Application | 2-stage: Initial Protocol Concept → invited Full Proposal (with protocol) |
| TRL | 7-9 |
| Frequency | Annual |
Eligibility & scope
Funds investigator-initiated phase I/II or II immunotherapy clinical trials emphasizing novel approaches, mechanistic investigation of clinical response, and predictive biomarker discovery/validation. PI must lead the study; research may be conducted at non-profit medical schools or research centers in the US or abroad (no support for for-profit institutions). Includes a co-funded chordoma-focused track with Chordoma Foundation.
Who Should Apply
- •Academic PI with clinical trial leadership experience or co-leadership from a clinical collaborator
- •Researchers at medical schools, hospitals, or non-profit research centers globally
- •Investigators proposing novel immunotherapy approaches with mechanistic or biomarker innovation
- •Teams ready to advance from preclinical or early clinical data to a phase I/II or phase II trial
Key Dates
- •Protocol Concept deadline: Tuesday, 1 December 2026
- •Invited Full Proposal deadline: Wednesday, 9 April 2027, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
- •Two-stage evaluation: concept screening, then full review of invited proposals
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The concept stage filters for novelty and mechanism, emphasise what is new about the immunotherapy and why the biomarker or mechanism matters to the field.
- ✓CRI co-funds chordoma-focused proposals with the Chordoma Foundation; if your trial touches chordoma, highlight the link early.
- ✓Budget realism is critical for phase I/II trials; include realistic recruitment timelines and stopping rules; vague timelines sink concepts at triage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Cancer Research Institute Clinical Innovator grant pay?
Up to $1 million per trial, plus up to 10% indirect costs.
Who is eligible for the Clinical Innovator grant?
Academic PIs at medical schools, hospitals, or non-profit research centres globally, proposing investigator-initiated phase I/II or phase II immunotherapy trials.
What is the timeline for the Clinical Innovator grant?
Two-stage: Protocol Concept due 1 December 2026, invited Full Proposals due 9 April 2027.
Does the Clinical Innovator grant require a consortium?
No, but co-investigators from clinical and translational disciplines are encouraged for mechanism and biomarker validation.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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